Gadar: Cops on the alert in Bombay

Security in Bombay and its adjacent Thane district has been tightened following threats
by some local organisations to resort to a dharna if the government failed to impose a ban on Gadar - Ek Prem Katha.

A firecracker was burst at Ratan Theatre in Bhiwandi on Monday, police said, even as they denied reports that the explosive was a crude bomb.

"We have directed police stations in the city to be vigilant where the film is being screened and to take action in case of any untoward incident," says Joint Commissioner (Law and Order) Y C Pawar.

"So far there has been no untoward incident in Bombay city following the screening of the film," he adds.

Heavy police bandobast has also been arranged at all the cinema halls screening the film in Thane district.

Meanwhile, Janata Dal (S) and the Bombay Regional Muslim League have threatened to stage a dharna in the city if the
government failed to accede to its demand of imposing a ban on the film.

According to the Muslim League, the film has hurt the religious sentiments of the minority community and had tried
to create a tense environment between members of two communities.